Tsavo East and West Safaris

Vast red plains, volcanic hills, and iconic wildlife in Kenya’s largest wilderness.

High Season

July to October and January to February

Size

Tsavo East approx 13,747 square kilometres and Tsavo West approx 9,065 square kilometres

Altitude

200-1,800 metres

above sea level

Safari Holidays to Tsavo East and West National Parks

Where Endless Horizons Meet Wild Africa

Tsavo East and Tsavo West together form one of the largest protected wilderness areas in the world — a combined expanse larger than Jamaica.

Known for its rust-red soil, dust-bathing elephants, and wide-open savannahs, Tsavo East offers a classic big-game experience in a vast, untamed setting. In contrast, Tsavo West is a dramatic landscape of volcanic cones, ancient lava flows, and lush springs fed by underground rivers from Kilimanjaro.

Between them, the parks protect an astonishing diversity of wildlife and scenery, offering two distinct safari personalities in one unforgettable journey.

Why Visit Tsavo East and West?

Visiting Tsavo is like stepping into the heart of an untamed African wilderness. Tsavo East is famed for its “red elephants” — coated in the park’s iron-rich dust — and spectacular wildlife concentrations around the Galana River.

Its sheer scale means you can travel for hours without seeing another vehicle. Tsavo West, with its Mzima Springs, Chyulu Hills backdrop, and volcanic scenery, offers dramatic contrasts, plus some of the best chances to see rhino in Kenya at the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.

Together, they create a safari circuit where each day feels entirely different, yet equally wild and remote.

Wildlife and Nature

Both parks teem with life, though their landscapes shape the experience.

Tsavo East: Open savannahs and scrubland dotted with baobabs, home to elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffe, and over 500 bird species. The Galana River and Lugard Falls are focal points for game viewing.

Tsavo West: A more varied terrain of rocky hills, volcanic craters, and riverine woodland. Highlights include hippos and crocodiles at Mzima Springs, black rhinos in the Ngulia Sanctuary, and large herds of plains game in the open grasslands.


The parks’ contrasting habitats mean you can spot everything from ostriches striding across the plains to kingfishers flashing over crystal-clear pools, all in a single trip.

Best Time to Visit Tsavo East and West

Tsavo East & West can be visited year-round, but for the best conditions:

• June–October: Long dry season with excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather at water sources.
• January–February: Short dry season — great for photography and spotting a wide range of species.
• November & April–May: Rainy seasons bring lush green landscapes and excellent birding, but some tracks can become muddy.

Safari Experiences in Tsavo East and West

Tsavo East & West offer an incredible range of safari adventures:

• Classic Game Drives: Track elephants, big cats, and plains game across the open landscapes of Tsavo East.
• Mzima Springs Walks: View hippos and fish in crystal-clear waters, with underwater viewing chambers.
• Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary: A rare opportunity to see endangered black rhinos in a protected setting.
• Birdwatching: From the Somali bee-eater to the African skimmer, the parks are a birder’s paradise.
• Lava Flow Exploration: Discover the Shetani Lava Flow, a stark reminder of the region’s volcanic past.

These parks are as much about the sheer feeling of space and freedom as they are about the wildlife.

Where to Stay in Tsavo East and West National Parks

Tsavo’s accommodation options range from luxurious to adventurous:

• Luxury Safari Lodges: Overlooking rivers, springs, or waterholes, with superb guiding and comfort.
• Mid-Range Camps: Affordable yet atmospheric stays with great access to wildlife-rich areas.
• Rustic Bush Camps: Simple, remote camps perfect for those seeking an authentic wilderness experience.



We have access to a wide range of handpicked accommodation options in Tsavo East & West — from rustic eco-camps and authentic bush lodges to stylish tented retreats. If you don’t see the exact lodge or camp you’re looking for, just let us know — we’re able to arrange a variety of stays to suit different tastes, travel styles, and budgets.

A Selection of our Tsavo East and West Safari Accommodation

We have access to a wide range of handpicked accommodation options — from rustic eco-camps and authentic bush lodges to stylish tented retreats with breathtaking views. If you don’t see the exact lodge or camp you’re looking for, just let us know — we can arrange a variety of stays to suit different tastes, travel styles, and budgets.

Average Weather and Climate in Tsavo East and West

• Dry Seasons (June–October, January–February): Warm, sunny days with average highs of 25–30°C; cooler mornings and evenings.
• Wet Seasons (March–May, November–December): Higher humidity, lush vegetation, and occasional heavy showers.

Tsavo East is generally hotter and drier than Tsavo West, which is slightly cooler due to higher altitudes and varied terrain.

Combine with Other Destinations

Tsavo East & West are ideal for combining with the white-sand beaches of Diani, Watamu, or Malindi for a safari-and-sea holiday. They also link beautifully with Amboseli National Park for stunning Kilimanjaro views, or Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary for intimate game viewing.

Their location between Nairobi and the coast means they fit perfectly into both northern and southern Kenya itineraries. Talk to us about designing your ultimate route.

Travelling from the UK to Tsavo East and West

Most travellers arrive via Nairobi or Mombasa. From Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), it’s a scenic 5–6 hour drive to Tsavo East or West, or a 1-hour flight to local airstrips.

From Mombasa, the parks are just a few hours by road, making them perfect for combining with a beach holiday on Kenya’s coast.

We can arrange road transfers, flights, or a mix of both for a seamless experience.

Discover the Wild, Your Way: Tailor Your Tsavo East and West Safari with Us

Whether you dream of photographing red-dusted elephants on the plains, watching hippos from an underwater hide, or tracking rhinos in the shadow of volcanic hills, Tsavo offers it all.



Talk to us about the experiences you’ve always dreamed of. We’ll match you with handpicked lodges, expert local guides, and authentic adventures that bring Tsavo to life.

Speak to one of our safari specialists today — call us or fill out our quick enquiry form, and let’s start planning your tailor-made adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions